Which Shoes ?

Get actual running shoes not cross trainers and get them from a specialty running store that can look at your feet and gait to put you in the right kind of shoe. Running shoes are made for going longer distances in a straight(ish) line, will provide appropriate cushioning, and will bend in the right places. Cross trainers are not going to be as kind to your feet. I would also go the cycling/tri shoe route for the bike. Much more efficient than a squishy running shoe, though the running shoe will work just fine with pedal cages if you absolutely do not want cycling shoes.

When it comes to the cycling shoes it all depends on the type of your bike.  Is it a tri bike/road bike or a mountain bike?  If it's a tri/road bike cycling shoes with clipless pedals are hands down the way to go.  If your riding a mountain bike I would much prefer wearing a good set of running shoes than wearing some cross training shoes that could give me shin splints and knee pain while I'm training.  The brand of shoe is up to you, google up a local running shoe specialty store where they can fit you properly for a pair of GOOD shoes that fit you well.  Never buy shoes that people say are good shoes or you saw in an add because they may not be the shoes for YOU.  When it comes to this sport, almost everything is fitted and it is highly recommended to invest the time to carefully research, fit, and test each thing you consider buying before actually buying it.  Shoes are the biggest example of that.

Edited by Patch-Adams 2009-07-22 11:34 AM